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Tesla Model X Prototype Photographed in Southern California

A Tesla Model X prototype was spotted and photographed in Culver City, CA recently. This vehicle is the well-anticipated follow-up to the very impressive Model S sedan. It has been designed to be a cross between an SUV and a minivan, meaning all-wheel drive but with the conveniences associated with a family vehicle. In other words, it still will go zero to sixty in less than five seconds, but is roomy enough to seat seven. There are two motors; one for each axle and two battery options. Just to be clear, this is not a hybrid vehicle, it is all-electric, meaning there is no gas tank and no tailpipe emissions. The expected driving range per charge for the larger 85 kWh battery is 270 miles, and 210 for the 60 kWh version.

Image Credit: Jared Tibshraeny

Doors that open up more than out, “Falcon Wings” provide convenience for getting in and out in tight parking spaces. Also, entering is not the same as climbing into an overly elevated SUV. You step up and in and that is all. Making a crossover vehicle may prove to be a smart decision, rather than a full SUV, because it may be more appealing to a large cross-section of potential buyers. In the spring of 2013, it was reported that crossover sales were surging.

The Model X was developed from the Model S platform and is being built at the Fremont, CA manufacturing facility. Deliveries will begin in 2014, according to the Tesla website. For new reservations, it will be 2015. Elon Musk has said he wants US Tesla production to grow to 250,000 vehicles by 2020. The Model X probably won’t reach volume production until 2015.

A more affordable third generation all-electric sedan is in the works for 2016 or the year after. This is exciting news for those of us that can’t afford a new, or even a used Model S, Model X or Roadster.

If you are interested in electric cars, check out the channel on CleanTechnica.

I don’t think this is a model x at all. This looks like the smaller next one…..
Look at it, its a two door and not very big….
Its also possible that someone just photoshopped something together that has nothing to do with reality….just a thought…

George Gant

The Model X certainly CHEAPENS the Tesla brand.

shecky vegas

I think the idea is to make the Tesla brand more affordable and accepting to a wider audience. That’s how you grow a brand.

SirSparks

I’ve been studying that picture of the X and I just can’t see there is anyway it has gull wing (falcon wing) doors, there is just no room for the hinges or sufficient “meat” on the roof to place them. What do others think?

TheSA-X

I don’t think it is a very good angle to see how they work. Plus, I’m sure they made it look seamless from the outside.

Benjamin Nead

I was wondering about that as well. Do a web image search for other Tesla X photos, though, and you’ll see that it’s just the rear doors that hinge upwards . . .

The Model X is a larger, heavier, and less aerodynamic vehicle than the Model S and is using the same battery packs. Physics say that it will have less range. Economics says that it will cost a little more than the Model S as well.

Will E

TESLA must sponsor a TOUR DE FRANCE TEAM and follow the caravane with the TESLA cars.
So the world can see TESLA cars climbing the alps and the Pyrenees and go on a tour de france following the TESLA cycle TEAM.
That would be a worldwide awesome pr for EVs

RobS

Model X’s would make great tour support cars, and like the bikes would get a huge boost from the downhills, the downside I see is their quietness making them harder to hear and leading to potential collisions in the ridiculously crowded mayhem of the tour bike and vehicle pack.

Albertico

Sad the car was not at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show

RobS

The car wont be oin volume production until early 2015, which means any interest and excetement generated at an auto show now will not be able to be serviced for 15 to 18 months. That just doesn’t fly for any but the most ardent of Tesla fans. People want to be able to buy what they lusted after at the show, the vast majority of car buyers will have totally lost interest by the time production is up and running. Next years Detroit show will be timed perfectly, the early production ramp will be underway or complete and early volume production starting, interest from the show should be serviceable within 2-3 months a far better tolerated duration.

Guest

Your comment is and excellent form of ‘accurate’… and is perfectly phrased to convey the information succinctly.

I really enjoyed reading your comment! :O

Kenneth Lydall

Your comment is an excellent form of ‘accurate’… and is perfectly phrased to convey the information succinctly.

Wind Energy

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